In a back-and-forth battle with Danvers High School on Monday, Swampscott High School senior Julian Flacke won a tie-breaking game to give the Big Blue boys tennis team a 3-2 win.
First-year head coach Kevin Merino-Rivas praised Flacke and classmate Victor Zeissig for fighting back resiliently after falling behind early in their respective matches.
“Athough they were having a really tough time mentally, the locked it in after a brief conversation and brought it back to win that second set,” said Merino-Rivas.
The freshmen pair of Jack Ford and Leo Hellmann-Flatt also had a successful afternoon sharing the doubles court, winning their match two sets to zero.
“I’m really proud of our second doubles team,” said Merino-Rivas. “They only have one year of experience between the two of them – They are absolutely killing it. They’ve been getting better and better as the season progresses and they showed that on the court today.”
Ford and Hellmann-Flatt are two of many underclassmen who have been gaining valuable experience on the team this season. Monday’s win improved the Big Blue’s record to 4-5, but Merino-Rivas said the work he has seen younger players put in this season is more valuable than the record shows.
“These freshmen and sophomores have been stepping up,” said Merino-Rivas. “Its been clear as day that they want it as much as the seniors want it this year. I’m very proud. They have been succeeding and working their butts off to get better.”
In early season practices, Merino-Rivas has emphasized consistency to his younger players. He has focused on the importance of continually keeping the ball in play by hitting it in bounds and limiting mistakes.
“These guys have shown me they are learning really well,” said Merino-Rivas. “They have been adjusting their different shots, adjusting to their opponents and I can’t be more proud of them.”
The Big Blue has won three of their last five matches after a slow 1-3 start to the season.
Merino-Rivas, who played tennis since middle school and went on to compete collegiately at Salem State University, said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the team, his first official coaching job.
“I am absolutely ecstatic here,” said Merino-Rivas. “Coaching and teaching is a passion of mine. I’ve found myself gravitating towards helping others get better to go forward in their tennis careers.”
The Big Blue will next take the court on Wednesday at Nahant Country Club against St. Mary’s High School.
